After the Molly Malone statue reopened in early October, it faced immediate damage from tourists rubbing the breast area, which is believed to bring about good fortune, withering away her fresh bronze. Within two weeks of her reopening, it once again requires repairs.

The statue is located in Dublin, Ireland near Trinity College and Grafton Street. The area remains busy with photographers and tourists, which often leads to congested traffic. The statue depicts a woman in a corseted dress pushing a wheelbarrow filled with different baskets, symbolizing an era that has passed.

Bronze is meant to last centuries if left alone, but Molly has needed maintenance multiple times since her debut in 1988. Despite her quick erosion from tourists, Dublin decides to continue repairing her.

Molly is a figure originating in Irish folktale, known as one of the most popular stories in Dublin. No one knows for sure whether Molly existed, though there are multiple different accounts of what she could be based on.

One tale according to the Irish Family History Centre suggests that Molly was “a beautiful young girl who worked as a fishmonger until she died suddenly of a fever.” The tale goes on to say that after her death, her ghost continued to haunt the streets of Dublin. Another theory suggests that she was a real woman who died in Dublin in 1699, but there is no clear evidence supporting the theory.

Her song “Sweet Molly Malone” is often referred to as Dublin’s unofficial anthem. It tells the tale of Molly’s life as a fishmonger and has made its way into the arts industry, where it has been adapted and performed by several different artists.

According to Irish Tourist Radio, “the song still plays in pubs, the legend still circulates and tourists still line up to lay hands on cold bronze, hoping for luck while contributing to deterioration.”

Users on Instagram have been conflicted as to why Dublin keeps funding repairs instead of building a flower bed around her, which could ensure the bronze lasts longer due to the extra difficulty added to actually reach the statue. Others have suggested that putting her on a higher platform would also have the same effect.

Many have argued that the city should leave the statue alone and focus on more significant issues such as homelessness or safety.

The only part they left withered during the refurbishment was her hands, to encourage people to solely touch there to continue the “lucky” tradition. The plan failed as tourists continue to grope the statue, leaving many locals upset.

Irish statue once again needs chest refurbishment.